February WMRA meeting recap

Tonight we held our AGM, followed by the first committee meeting for 2015. Despite the mix-up with meeting times, by 7:30 we had a great turn-out of people who were willing step up for the good of the community. Congratulations to all the volunteers both familiar and new who came along.

The Chairman’s outgoing report reflected particularly on the events of the 150th sesquicentennial celebrations, the highlight being the grand parade – seeing so many people from the community lining the streets as well as taking part. Jeff gave thanks to the active support of the committee as well as the 150th sub-committee and all its associated volunteers then Nicky with finances, Sarah with her secretarial services and Tim with the website. Jeff expressed his thanks again for the work of Alastair McNeil & Accessman when installing flags on SH73 as well as the efforts of our council and community board representatives. Overall, Jeff asserted how proud he was of the association being active and effective in the community – the 150th celebrations being a key event in our history which truly brought this growing community together.

Millennium fountain
In the committee meeting that followed, the restoration of the previously damaged millennium fountain was discussed. The fountain is now entirely restored and available for viewing at 888 Sandy Knolls Road. Funds allocations for the restoration as well as possible sites for its eventual relocation were discussed.

Wilfield subdivision
The committee will be holding a special public meeting in order to discuss traffic and pedestrian issues relating to SH73 & the new development. Bruce Russell addressed the committee, making that case that we have a responsibility to take action for our community – “If we don’t take action there will be a death”. Traffic volumes on SH73 have grown in the last 12 months from 8,500 vehicles / day to 10,000. We have motorway on SH1 due for completion in 2019 which will feed more West Coast traffic onto Weedons Ross Road, a new subdivision which is already under construction in the immediate vicinity, a district plan which includes an underpass connected to the subdivision and then an alternate plan by the developer to establish a walking corridor which involves pedestrians crossing SH73 through 70km/h traffic.

The public meeting is being planned for Wednesday April 8 at the community centre. Special guests will include representatives from NZTA, Selwyn District Council and Gilman Wheelans. Amy Adams, the local MP for Selwyn will also be invited.

Councillor Mark Alexander addresses the incoming committee

Local approved products
Sarah Walters was able to report in-person regarding Selwyn’s draft Local Approved Products Policy which amongst other things will set the locations where approved psychoactive substances will be able to be sold. Sarah encouraged the residents association to make a submission to the policy, in asked the group to consider the best locations for the sale of such products. The WMRA chose to back the current draft policy, which sets aside two commercial zones in Rolleston alone for this.

Other mentions
Jeff acknowledged the outgoing committee member Ron Panckhurst for a fantastic 20 years service to the association. Congratulations Rob! You have our very best wishes for your future endeavours.